The Smartwatch Buying Guide ft. The Best Smartwatches of 2023 (so far)

Are you ready to dive into the world of smartwatches? With a smartwatch by your side, you’ll be living life in the fast lane, just like James Bond! But before you dive headfirst into the world of smartwatches, there are some things you absolutely must consider. It’s time to decode the secrets of the smartwatch universe and make the right choice for your wrist.

Compatibility

Imagine buying a smartwatch that doesn’t play well with your smartphone – it’s a nightmare, right? Compatibility is your golden ticket to the land of smartwatch bliss. Ensure your smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system, whether iOS or Android.

Display

The display is your smartwatch’s soul. Opt for a vibrant, responsive touchscreen that makes interactions a breeze. Whether you’re checking your heart rate, reading messages, or navigating through apps, a stunning display makes all the difference.

Battery Life

Imagine your smartwatch running out of juice mid-adventure. Yes, that’s why battery life is a must-check before buying a smartwatch. Look for a smartwatch that can keep up with your action-packed lifestyle. Some can last a day, while others go the extra mile, lasting up to a week on a single charge. 

Communication

Your smartwatch should allow you to send messages, make calls, and even summon voice assistants with a flick of your wrist. Whether you’re sending coded messages or just ordering pizza, a smartwatch that excels in communication is a must-have for anyone.

Fitness Tracking

A smartwatch is like having a personal trainer on your wrist – minus the yelling! Look for a smartwatch that comes packed with fitness-tracking features. From heart rate monitoring to step counting and even sleep tracking, your smartwatch should be your trusty sidekick on your fitness journey.

Price

Last but not least, the price! While we’d all love to have an unlimited budget for our gadgets, the reality is that we need to be mindful of our finances. Smartwatches come in a range of prices, so make sure to find one that fits your budget without compromising on the essential features. Remember, you don’t need to break the bank to own a smartwatch that suits your needs.

Best Smartwatch – Apple Watch Series 9

  • Price: Starting at ₹41900*
  • Display: 45mm or 41mm Always-On Retina display
  • Water resistance: Yes, swim-proof
  • Battery life: Up to 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power mode
  • SOS – Emergency SOS, Fall Detection and Crash Detection

Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Watch has transcended timekeeping and has evolved into the undisputed champion of smartwatches. The latest gem in the lineup – the Apple Watch Series 9 marks a leap into a touchless future. It introduces an ingenious “Double Tap” gesture, a digital dance inspired by the Assistive Touch accessibility tool.

With a simple pinch, you can navigate the watch’s complicated interface without the need to lay a finger on the screen. The Series 9 has also harnessed the power of Siri like never before, thanks to the new S9 system-in-package (SiP) processor. Speedier responses are just the beginning, as Siri now lends a helpful ear even when you’re off the grid.

The Series 9 watch boasts a dazzlingly brighter screen that adjusts for nighttime and a slick watchOS 10 facelift. With its focus on Siri and touchless interactions, Apple continues to reign supreme in the smartwatch realm. While sleep-tracking might lag behind competitors, do you have any choice other than to ignore it for a couple of years?

Best Android Smartwatch – Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Series

  • Price: Starting at ₹32,999*
  • Display: Sapphire Crystal – 44mm or 40mm and 47mm or 43mm
  • Durability: 5ATM+IP68/MIL-STD-810H
  • Material: Armor Aluminum and Stainless Steel
  • Other: Sleep Tracking, Infrared Temperature Sensor

With the unveiling of the Galaxy Watch 6 series this year, Samsung once again reaffirms its dominance in non-Apple smartwatches. The iconic spinning bezel once temporarily shelved, makes a triumphant comeback in the 2023 Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. This time, it returns in a sleeker and lighter form, providing an exquisite tactile interface for navigating the new Wear OS 4. 

The display is now brighter, ensuring effortless readability even under the sun’s direct glare. What truly elevates the Galaxy Watch 6 above its predecessors are its revamped health and fitness tracking capabilities. An overnight skin temperature sensor aids in monitoring ovulation and menstrual cycles, while innovative sleep coaching tools offer invaluable insights for achieving better rest. 

The watch also brags irregular heart rhythm monitoring and personalised heart rate zones for optimal cardiovascular tracking, catering to runners’ needs. With enhanced processors, improved battery life, and a pack of optimised wrist apps, the Galaxy Watch 6 series sets a new benchmark and stands as the unrivalled all-inclusive choice, promising an unparalleled experience in the wearable tech arena.

Best Budget Smartwatch – Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

  • Price: Starting at ₹9,999*
  • Display: Corning® Gorilla® Glass with DX+ in 44mm or 40mm
  • Durability: 5ATM+IP68/MIL-STD-810H
  • Material: Armor Aluminum
  • Battery 361mAh or 247mAh

Well, if you had asked, “What’s the best budget smartwatch?” in 2022, I would have said Fitbit Versa 2, but now that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is available under 10k, I’m changing my statement. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 emerges as a beacon of brilliance in budget-friendly form. Like a siren calling you to the shores of affordable luxury, this timepiece seamlessly combines style, substance, and, most importantly, savings.

With its sleek stainless steel case, vivid AMOLED display, and customisable watch faces, the Galaxy Watch 4 doesn’t just blend in—it stands out. It’s the wristwear equivalent of a tailored suit at a thrift store price. But this smartwatch isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a powerhouse of functionality. It’s your personal wellness guru, boasting health-tracking features like ECG monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and advanced sleep analysis. 

Its fast processor ensures smooth performance, and it syncs seamlessly with your Android device, making it the ideal companion for productivity and play. By offering the Galaxy Watch 4 under 10k, Samsung has woven affordability into a tapestry of innovation, making it the ultimate choice for those who seek both style and savings in their smartwatch experience. It’s time to embrace the future without breaking the bank.

Best Rugged Smartwatch – Garmin Instint 2X Solar

  • Price: Starting at ₹50.490*
  • Connectivity: iOS, Android
  • Display: 40mm, 45mm or 50mm
  • Water resistance: Yes, swim-proof
  • Charging method: Solar power, plug charger
  • Battery life: Unlimited in the sun, 28 days without solar energy

Not all people have time to take care of and charge their smartwatch after every day or two. So, to have them on board, Garmin arrived with Instinct 2X Solar – a beacon of innovation and practicality. At the price of ₹50,490*, this remarkable smartwatch is not merely a timepiece; it’s an all-encompassing companion that combines the rugged reliability of a military-grade device with the futuristic charm of solar-powered technology.

The Instinct 2X Solar is a multitasking marvel that seamlessly transitions between roles: executive assistant, fitness coach, weather oracle, and even a digital wallet. With its enhanced solar panels, it boasts extended battery life, ensuring that you’re never left in the lurch during your adventures or daily grind. It isn’t just any smartwatch; it’s a workhorse, built tough and designed for readability even in the most challenging conditions. 

Its rapid GPS acquisition, military-grade durability, and impressive water resistance of up to 100 meters make it a true outdoor warrior. Sure, like any piece of tech, it has its quirks, but the Instinct 2X Solar’s pros far outweigh the cons.

Best Fitness Freak Smartwatch – Fitbit Sense 2

  • Battery Life: 6days+
  • Display: 1.58 inches, AMOLED, touchscreen
  • Body: Aluminum case/Stainless steel bezel
  • Memory/Media: 4GB, Microphone, Loudspeaker
  • Compatibility: Android and iOS Check supported devices

Elevating the legacy of its predecessor, the Fitbit Sense 2, a true flagship masterpiece, refines the essence of well-being tracking. Its distinguishing feature, the groundbreaking cEDA sensor, ventures boldly into the labyrinth of your stress levels, unveiling its secrets with unprecedented precision. Stress, slumber, cardiac vigour, and physical pursuits all fall under its perceptive gaze, meticulously mapped out on its canvas of knowledge. With an aesthetic that mirrors an artist’s brushstroke, this smartwatch unfurls a vivid story of your daily vitality through its elegant graphs—an essential compass guiding you towards complete holistic well-being. Yet, if your appetite for innovation craves something new and exciting, the recently unveiled Google Pixel Watch 2 beckons with its own promises of technological wonders.

Best Stylish Smartwatch – Fossil Gen 6

  • Battery Life: 24hrs+
  • Body: Stainless steel, Stainless steel
  • Compatibility: Android 6.0+ and iOS 10.0
  • Display: 1.28 inch, AMOLED, Touchscreen
  • Storage: 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM, Microphone, Loudspeaker

For those in pursuit of a smartwatch that harmonises seamlessly with every ensemble adorning your closet, Fossil’s Gen 6 Smartwatches deserve your undivided attention. While Fossil’s reputation for tasteful design precedes them, these timepieces are more than mere fashion statements, boasting an impressive array of cutting-edge features that elevate them to a league of their own.

What sets the Fossil Gen 6 apart isn’t just its aesthetic allure; it’s the technological prowess that lies beneath the surface. Rapid battery charging, swim-proof resilience, and a lightning-fast processor are but a few highlights. These watches have traditionally leaned on style over substance, but beneath the elegant exterior, they’ve undergone a transformation.

The Snapdragon Wear 4100 Plus chipset is fueling their performance, propelling them to a blazing 30% faster speed than their predecessor. Bolstered by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, the Fossil Gen 6 emerges as a powerful and stylish accessory tailored for Android lovers who demand top-tier heart, health, and sleep tracking, all wrapped in an undeniably chic package.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Review: A True Companion

2023 is definitely the year where Samsung does not bring in any major upgrades to its existing lineup. First were the Galaxy Flip and Fold 5 which refined the design factor with the devices finally closing without a gap in between. Now, Samsung’s Watch 6 is the latest device to hop on the minor update trend and redefine what the best of Android smartwatch looks and feels like. We’ve been testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE (SM-R945F) for nearly a week now and it graciously falls into the ‘Easy To Recommend’ category of devices. This might not be a monumental upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 5 but it undoubtedly is one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now! Jump right in for the full review of the Galaxy Watch 6 – 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Design

The Galaxy Watch 6 pretty much keeps the same design as last year’s Galaxy Watch 5. There’s the staple two size options here – 40 & 44 mm. I tested out the 44 mm LTE version of the watch with a silver strap. The Watch 6 also gets an interesting Gold colour variant which screams extravagance. Samsung might not have made major changes to the design of the Galaxy Watch 6 but there really is nothing to complain about it either. It is a known form factor which works well & is also comfortable. Even with the 44mm size, users will not feel the watch to be bulky or heavy on their wrists. A good indication of a comfortable smartwatch is when I do not have to remove it while typing my hours away at work, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 excels in that arena. The in-box silicon strap looks premium and feels comfortable. 

While the design factor remains the same, Samsung has now introduced a ‘One-Click’ solution to swap the strap. Users just need to hold the button placed at the base of the band and pull it to remove the strap.  While the general user will most likely not swap the silicon bands often, it is a welcome addition to the smartwatch lineup. 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Display

Smartwatch displays are pretty much a standard affair. The pack and parcel of the smaller displays include users having to cover the screen with their hands in order to see the finer details under direct sunlight. Samsung fixes this issue and goes miles ahead by 2,000 nits of peak brightness with the Watch 6. The previous iteration only featured 1,000 nits of peak brightness making the Watch 6 a notable upgrade in that aspect. Mumbai’s September bipolar weather sports both heavy rains & bright sunny days; I did not witness any issues while using the watch outdoors in either of those weather conditions.

The Galaxy Watch 6 series uses a Super AMOLED panel across the lineup. However, the size and resolution of these displays are not the same. The 44mm model sports a 1.5-inch 480 x 480 screen whereas the smaller 40mm model rocks a 432 x 432 screen at 1.3-inch. There is nothing but a small 0.1-inch difference between the Watch 5 and Watch 6 but it makes a bigger difference when it comes to a small display. You can scroll around the bezels of the smartwatch which will never NOT be cool! 

Performance & Health Features

There is a plethora of health features on the Galaxy Watch 6. Samsung uses an activity tracking UI which is similar to Apple. Three rings which count your steps, active time, and calories close up every day, and in all honesty, it is fun and simple to follow. Samsung has gone all out when it comes to health features of the Watch 6, including a temperature sensor which automatically measures your skin temperature while you sleep. I tested out the sleep features more than the fitness tracking features on this watch as I am at least consistent with sleeping as opposed to hitting the gym. 

The Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor allows users to scan their skeletal muscle, body water & fat, BMI, basal metabolic rate, and fat mass. It is crazy how far technology has come where we can find complex information about our bodies with just a few clicks on a smartwatch. The automatic workout detection feature remains my favourite feature of this watch. Besides this, Watch 6 offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, cycle tracking, blood oxygen tracking, ECG, and much more. Samsung Health application allows us to streamline all these features really well. 

It runs on the Exynos W930 dual-core processor clocking in with 1.4GHz speed. The performance here is reliable without any lags or jitters. It is running on Wear OS 4.0 with the prowess of Samsung’s One UI 5.0 layered on top of it. I did not face any problems in the overall UI experience of the Watch 6. Be it notifications or the vibration motor, everything works as expected. Receiving and making calls on the Watch 6 is also smooth sailing. Users can also pair their Galaxy devices with the smartwatch to get a preview of their camera, a feature which came in handy for me while clicking a picture of my dog without alarming her! 

The Galaxy Watch 6 has an exceptionally good battery life for a device which packs in this many features. I am not entirely a fan of always on display on smartwatches as they tend to become a distraction. However, the AOD on the Watch 6 is subtle and does not beg for your attention all the time. I was easily able to get through the day with the AOD feature with 30-40% battery remaining. The watch was connected to my Galaxy S23 throughout the entire testing period and the battery life was simply dependable. The charging experience is also a smooth sail. Ultimately, there is a lot to love and virtually nothing to complain about the Galaxy Watch 6. 

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch for Android users right now. Its extensive health features and simple design make it an easy pick. 

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Galaxy Unpacked 2023 – Samsung Shines Bright with the Stellar Galaxy Watch 6 Series!

Samsung has once again set the tech world abuzz with its latest unveilings at the Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event. Among the most anticipated releases were the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic, two impressive wearables combining cutting-edge features and stylish designs.

Galaxy Watch 6

The Galaxy Watch 6 comes in two sizes, catering to diverse preferences. The 44mm variant, available in Graphite and Silver, offers a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display protected by Sapphire Crystal. On the other hand, the 40mm model, available in Graphite and Gold, boasts a slightly smaller 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display with the same level of protection.

Powered by the Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz processor and equipped with 2GB of memory and 16GB of storage, the Galaxy Watch 6 ensures smooth performance and ample space for users to store their favourite apps and content. The impressive battery life of up to 40 hours with Always On Display turned off, and up to 30 hours with it on, guarantees users a reliable and enduring experience.

Price

40mm – BT – ₹29,999
40mm – LTE – ₹33,999
44mm – BT – ₹32,999
44mm – LTE – ₹36,999

Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is for those with a penchant for a more classic and sophisticated look. Available in 47mm and 43mm sizes and offered in Black and Silver, the Classic series exudes elegance. The watch features Sapphire Crystal protection, the same Exynos W930 Dual-Core 1.4GHz processor, 2GB of memory, and 16GB of storage, providing the same powerful performance as the standard Watch 6.

Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic run on the Wear OS Powered by Samsung, a collaboration with Google that promises a seamless and intuitive user experience. With these new wearables, Samsung continues to lead the way in the smartwatch market, offering a perfect blend of style and innovation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a fashion-forward individual, the Galaxy Watch 6 series has something to offer, solidifying Samsung’s position as a trailblazer in the world of wearable technology.

Price

43mm – BT – ₹36,999
43mm – LTE – ₹40,999
47mm – BT – ₹39,999
47mm – LTE – ₹43,999

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